Man United spur on

Manchester United beat Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 on Saturday to blast two points clear of Chelsea at the top of the Premier League.

Manchester United beat Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 on Saturday to blast two points clear of Chelsea at the top of the Premier League.

Chelsea play Stoke City on Sunday in a game the west Londoners must win to regain the initiative. United, who have two games left to play, are on 79 points to Chelsea's 77 with Arsenal third on 71.

After a goalless first half, with United striker Wayne Rooney absent due to a groin injury, the hosts romped home thanks to two Ryan Giggs penalties and a goal from Portuguese winger Nani.

The deadlock was broken in the 59th minute when Patrice Evra was downed in the box.

Evergreen captain Giggs stepped up to slot home coolly and United were on their way.

Fourth-placed Spurs hauled themselves back into the match with a 70th minute header from Ledley King that threatened to derail United's hopes of a fourth successive title but their relief was short-lived.

Nani made it 2-1 in the 81st and then created the 87th minute penalty for Giggs to seal the win.